GLASGOW — South African gymnasts Naveen and Zelmé Daries delivered commendable performances in the Women’s Individual All-Around Final at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, with both sisters securing top 15 placements against a highly competitive international field.
Naveen Daries finished 10th overall with a combined score of 49.100, while her younger sister Zelmé claimed 13th position with a total of 48.250. The event was ultimately won by Canada’s Elsabeth Black (53.050), followed closely by Australia’s Breanna Scott (52.900) and Canada’s Lia-Monica Fontaine (52.800).
Zelmé Steps Up to the Challenge
The composition of the South African representation saw a late adjustment prior to the final. Caitlin Rooskrantz, who had initially qualified alongside Naveen, was forced to withdraw from the competition due to illness.
This unfortunate withdrawal opened the door for Zelmé Daries to step into the final as the reserve. Taking full advantage of the opportunity, she showcased steady nerves on the major international stage. Zelmé delivered her highest score of the day on the Vault with a 12.700 (Difficulty 4.200, Execution 8.500) and matched it with a strong 12.600 on the Uneven Bars, utilizing a high difficulty routine of 5.200.
While she encountered a challenging rotation on the Balance Beam, scoring 10.750, she bounced back immediately with a solid Floor Exercise routine that earned a 12.200, bringing her overall total to 48.250.
Naveen’s Consistent Campaign
For Naveen Daries, the final was an exercise in consistency across all four apparatuses. Her highest score came on the Vault, where she executed a clean routine to post a 12.800 (Difficulty 4.200, Execution 8.600).
She followed this with a 12.600 on the Uneven Bars and a 12.300 on the Balance Beam, displaying excellent technical control. A score of 11.400 on the Floor Exercise rounded out her afternoon, allowing her to finish the competition comfortably inside the top 10 with her 49.100 total.
Building on Team Success
The individual results cap off a positive week for Team South Africa’s artistic gymnastics squad. Following their fifth-place finish in the team competition earlier in the week, the ability of both Daries sisters to compete firmly in the top half of the All-Around final highlights the depth and continued progress of the national program.
With the All-Around finals concluded, the focus now shifts to the individual apparatus finals, where South Africa will look to end their Glasgow campaign on a positive note.
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